Steve Cameron

When Steve Cameron returned to Washington College after spending a semester abroad in England, two very important things were waiting for him – baseball and his younger brother, Ben.

While Ben was choosing which college to attend, his older brother tried to stay out of the decision as best he could. Still, it was clear Steve’s experience at Washington College played a role.

“He saw the close relationships I had developed here and the awesome atmosphere that surrounds the baseball program and that definitely influenced him,” says Steve. “One of the best things I heard when I returned from England was my brother telling me that he loved it here just as much as I did and that he couldn’t have made a better decision.”

Steve and Ben’s family reunion at Washington College was delayed one semester, thanks to Steve’s time at Royal Holloway in England. Spending a semester abroad is not something one often associates with college athletics, but supportive teammates and coaches and the academic-oriented nature of playing sports at an NCAA Division III institution makes it a not uncommon feat for Washington College student-athletes.

“When I told my teammates I was going to study abroad, they all told me how excited they were for me and how awesome an experience it was going to be. Knowing I had the support of so many people back home made going abroad so much easier.”

That kind of support has helped Steve achieve his goals in college—academic, athletic and personal. Just as his coaches and teammates encouraged his choice to study abroad, his professors have been understanding of the rigors associated with playing collegiate baseball.

“The best thing about being a student-athlete at Washington College is that you don’t have to compromise being a student in order to be an athlete. All of my coaches are very supportive of my work in the classroom, and all of my professors are supportive of my role as an athlete.”

Steve’s experience in England is one he’ll never forget. “Studying abroad has changed the way I look at people, the world and myself.” Now, he’s experiencing something else few people are fortunate enough to enjoy—playing on the same college team as his sibling. Steve and Ben are both pitchers for the Shoremen, who advanced to the Centennial Conference Tournament in 2010.

“Ben and I are pretty close, so I’m having a blast sharing some of my college experiences with him. Playing baseball with him is something totally new; we’ve never played on the same team before. It’s been great watching him grow and develop as a player.”

Steve will probably have a few pointers for Ben along the way—from pitching advice to how best to maximize the student-athlete experience.

On Being A Peer Mentor

Being a peer mentor was definitely an experience I won’t forget. Last year, as a freshman, I had so many questions and worries coming into college that my mentor, Rachel Glasser, did an awesome job of answering upon my arrival. She was always open and available to answer any questions that I had. As a result, I had a very successful transition into the college life. I wanted to provide other incoming freshman with the same experience that I had my first year.

The small size of Washington allows for a very different orientation experience. Students can get to know one another very quickly; acquaintances aren’t limited to the people on your floor or in your residence hall. Instead, after only a few days even students who didn’t know anyone at the school have an opportunity to form a close group of friends.

My favorite part of being a peer mentor was just getting to know my mentees. I had a very diverse group, and as much as I like to think I helped them grow and adapt to a college lifestyle, my group definitely taught me as much as I taught them. I was opened to individuals who ordinarily I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know. I think that you have to look at the experience of being a peer mentor, not as an opportunity to lead new students, but to be a part of the incoming class for a few days. I tried only to lead by example; not through mandates or directions.

2009 Peer Mentor Video

Q & A

Hometown and high school? Laurel, MD; Reservoir High School.

Favorite class? My favorite class was intro to macroeconomics. It really made a lot of sense, and helped me understand a little better how large entities operate under different economic conditions.

Recommended professor? Professor Daniels. She is so helpful and is devoted to her students.

Most memorable experience as a first-year student? Birthday Ball was a lot of fun! Seeing everyone look nice for a night was a nice change of pace. I can’t wait until next year!

If you could be a condiment, which one would you be and why? I would definitely be ketchup. Ketchup goes great with almost everything!

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be super intelligence. Classes would be so easy then.